When I was speaking to Danfords yesterday I was asking about tax. I was trying to figure out the total charge per person and we had this whole big conversation about why they were taxing the service charge. I said when you leave a gratuity, it doesn't get taxed and they said 'it covers their salaries, gratuity is separate' and I remember when we were speaking to Thatched Cottage, that amount was not taxed. I didn't think you could tax a gratuity but they keep saying a service fee isn't a gratuity. We aren't being charged an overhead maitre'd fee, just the recommended tip amount per guest, same thing with the bridal attendant. I couldn't get a straight answer about exactly what the service fee covers and what the bartenders get out of that, if anything. I'm a pain in the butt too because I always want everything in writing. X covers Y, a is the amount for B, C and D. I don't want to get screwed. In the end, the person who actually handles our wedding is supposed to call us back today.
leeserd
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Re: Gratuity Rant
Geez, see I feel like they call it a 'service fee' so that some people don't realize that they already paid the gratuity and then tip additionally on top of that. I think its terrible and it makes me really mad!!!
GinaZ
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Re: Gratuity Rant
I felt the same way when I was planning. I like to tip on service.
stinenandy2010
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Re: Gratuity Rant
Posted by leeserd
Of course our RH has a mandatory gratuity and yes, I have heard of it disquised as a 'service charge' as well but its the same thing.
Our limo has it too
and now we are planning our RD and the restaurant has a contract and includes a mandatory 20% gratuity.
its usually pretty standard at all restaurants for parties of six or more, have 20% gratuity included.
mrsdraskin2009
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Re: Gratuity Rant
Posted by leeserd
Of course our RH has a mandatory gratuity and yes, I have heard of it disquised as a 'service charge' as well but its the same thing.
Our limo has it too
and now we are planning our RD and the restaurant has a contract and includes a mandatory 20% gratuity.
Well, for the RD that is the tip for the waiters; trust me, I know. You don't have to tip anything additional on top of that unless you want to. I have worked in restaurants and catering for almost 10 years and that is always the tip for the waiter(s) working your RD.
sandybeaches115
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Re: Gratuity Rant
Tips are for a job well done in my opinion
dfw343
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Re: Gratuity Rant
I agree with the RH 20% only because at the end of the night, people can get stiffed. HOWEVER, I don't understand why gratuity is included in the ceremony room. No one is doing anything....
JoanneAndJustin
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Re: Gratuity Rant
Now, I am a very generous person and am likely to over-tip if you do a good job, but I take issue with mandatory 'service fees' or 'gratuities', because if you do not provide me the customer service I PAID for, I still have to tip you 20%, Conversely, if you've gone above and beyond and you've auto-added the gratuity I won't be inclined to increase it, because it's already been decided for me.
And you see, I am not likely to complain to your manager because I don't want you to lose your job. So, I'd rather reduce your tip by the appropriate amount. I will complain though, if you're just flat out rude or not doing your job, and if I STILL have to tip you? If I just refused to do my job for an hour or two I could get fired.
I ALWAYS tip the bartender at a wedding... so who says they don't get tipped? I'll usually tip 10 or 20 at he beginning of the evening, and more if I think I've bought more drinks than that would cover.
I also tip my waiter at the end of the night at the wedding... doesn't everyone do this?
